Mental Health Awareness Month: A Focus on Low-Income Issues and Services

May is mental health awareness month, and the West Texas Counseling and Guidance center wants to hone in on the matter within the community, especially when it comes to educating the working poor.

In the Concho Valley, the issue of mental health services available to low-income people is a concern. Many people within this group feel there are no services available to them; however, that's not the case. The WTCG offers services to anyone, no matter their financial status.

The WTCG provides counseling and educational services for all of the residents within the Concho Valley. The WTCG has 21 therapists who provide services in individual counseling, couples counseling, family therapy, children and adolescents, veterans service, PTSD counseling, grief and loss support, addiction, eating disorders, depression and anxiety counseling.

Dusty McCoy, executive director for the WTCG, described a study conducted by Angelo State University’s Kenneth Stewart and the Community Action Council. He said, “They found that the poorest of the poor have far greater rates of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. They also found that they not only have depression, but they [also] have many other health issues that intertwine with all the medical issues, such as diabetes and hypertension; they typically have a comorbid relationship.”

McCoy also stated the poor repeatedly say that they believe there is no access to mental health services, so this is a big misunderstanding that needs clarification.

The WTCG works on a sliding scale fee that goes to zero. McCoy said, “If someone is unemployed and has no money to pay for therapy, all we have to do is get a letter of support to put in their chart. The letter can be from a pastor, or even a person living with them. The letter says that they are taking care of their needs right now, and that they would benefit from professional counseling.”

Tiffany Talley, director of Development & Community Relations of WTCG, gave some insight on how WTCG works with the poor and what their mission is.

Talley began to describe that the rate of depression and suicide has continued to climb to epidemic proportions in the Concho Valley in the past 15 years. The WTCG wants to “encourage folks to talk about mental health and break the stigma," and making people aware of the resources at the WTCG will be helpful.”

Talley added that WTCG is one of the few places that accepts Medicare in town.

“We see everyone regardless of insurance status or no insurance. We see anyone," Talley said.

McCoy continued, “Anybody who is in distress, or who just wants to come better themselves, because they have goals that they want to meet and reach and want a little help getting there with a little motivation, that is what we are here for.”

WTCG has satellite offices in the Lakeview area, downtown San Angelo, Russ St. Ministries, and counselors are at the Wesley Trinity Soup Kitchen three times a week.

Other locations are in Ozona, Senora, Brady, Menard, Junction and Eden.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, WTCG celebrated its 40^th Anniversary Gala in April, as well as hosted glow in the dark yoga to promote physical health for mental health. Talley said, “Our mission includes mind, body and spirit.”

Talley clarified, “If folks are feeling hopeless, they definitely need to reach out to someone--a friend or call our office. We know that therapy works, and it’s healthy.”